Coffee & Flowers: Let’s Make It Up

My relationship with make up is definitely a complicated, love-hate one. One of my most traumatic experiences as a kid (aged 12?) had to do with going into PCX, having the lady accost me with all kindsa powders and going like “Ayan, nakakaputi yan!” Not that there’s anything wrong with anyone wanting to be fair just as it’s okay for people to want to be dark (it’s all preference, yes?) but I think a big part of loving yourself is trying to enhance what you hae and not alter it beyond recognition. When I was younger I really did feel butt-ugly and like make up was supposed to be the one way to remedy that but I couldn’t even do that.

But turns out, make up isn’t all bad. 🙂 I think it was watching these girls on YouTube that really helped me come to terms with beauty and spending some time on how I look. There are so many gems on there who didn’t used to feel pretty or weren’t very kindly taken to at school or who were bullied all their lives and they were able to find their self-love by talking to strangers on the internet: girls of all shapes, colors and sizes were talking about how they liked to make themselves up for fun and moreso, how it was something you could make up–experiment with, play with. And that gave me the courage to try again.

I realized a big part of the shame I felt was also coming from myself: that to a certain extent, I was also ashamed to be branded “morena” and I was afraid to call people out on the things that bothered me. It had to be a two-way thing, this beauty transaction. Sometimes, you have to say what you want to get it.

I thought this post might be able to help people out there who are struggling with themselves and how they look and how to find a beauty routine that works for them. Listed below are some of the beauty products that I use (mostly) for everyday (photographed above) and how I found them/why I like them/why you might like them:

1. The Body Shop All-in-One BB Cream (Shade 02)

I got this last last week; The Body Shop was on SALE so I got this for around P700 as opposed to P1,200. That’s pretty pricey but I think this product is worth it especially given the heat. I usually use a different foundation (Maybelline Aqua Gel) but the heat has really been making it impossible to wear moisturizer and foundation, so I got this. The cool thing about this is the shade-adjusting property–I swear, it does mimic your skin tone. I watched some reviews online and lotsa people didn’t like this product because it gave really light coverage but I think it’s cause those people were from England, where the air isn’t made out of lotion. Also, there is a smell to this but I kinda like it. Reminds me of olive oil? Hrrrm. You decide.

2. E.L.F. Eyebrow Kit

Uhhh, okay. Best fucking beauty bargain ever: P250 for something that does wonders for your face. I like eyebrows especially as done up by eyebrow wax/powder because the effect is so subtle but it really helps frame your face. You can buy the Ever Bilena clear mascara for P100 (or less) and put it over the top so that everything stays in place–although this has never run on me, even without the clear shiz.

3. Maxfactor lippie (Rosewood)

My friend gave this to me as a gift last Christmas. 🙂 Before this, I really hated nude lipsticks but this one is nice for my skintone because it’s kinda brown-based. So, yeah. This is nice and subtle (although I also am a fan of the bold lip).

4. Avon Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss (Pink Watermelon)

I really like this and I don’t usually like lip gloss (cause it’s sticky and icky and weird). These are nice and pretty and perfect for wearing both by themselves or over a lipstick (which is what I usually do with the Maxfactor one). 😀 Pweeeettyyyyy shoiiiiiiine.

5. Maybelline The Falsies + The Face Shop Volumizing Fashion Mascara

Best combo ever! I wear the Face Shop one first and then put the Maybelline on top because I like the finish of the former but it isn’t waterproof. 😀 So, yeah. The beeeest of both worldsss.

6. Maybelline 36 Hour Wear Gel Eyeliner (Brown)

Super easy and really subtle. 😀 Plus not a hassle to apply (heller, liquid liner I’m talking to you). I use a cheap-ass brush from landmark (P49).

And there! I hope that this was able to help anyone who was maybe having difficulty with kikay shit like this. 🙂 Also, below is a phot of me wearing said products, for reference. (Please excuse ze non-shaped browses.)